How Typography Can Make or Break Your Graphic Design

Typography might not be the first thing you notice in a design, but it’s one of the most important. The fonts you choose, how you style them, and the way you organize text can completely change how a design feels and how well it works. In fact, great typography isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making sure your message connects with your audience. Here are some of my tips for good typography

1. Typography Sets The Mood

Think about the last time you looked at a poster or a website. Before you even read the words, the style of the text probably told you something about the vibe. That’s typography at work.

• A clean sans-serif font like Helvetica feels professional and modern.

• A delicate script font screams elegance and romance.

• A quirky, playful typeface? That’s all fun and games.

The trick is choosing a font that matches the tone of what you’re designing. Are you creating a serious report? Stick to something classic and straightforward. Promoting a summer festival? Go bold and adventurous. Your font choices should feel intentional, like they belong.

2. If It's Hard To Read, It's Game Over

Let’s get one thing straight: if people can’t read your text, it doesn’t matter how cool it looks. Readability is non-negotiable.

Here’s how to keep things clear:

• Size Matters: Don’t make people squint! Headlines should grab attention, and body text should be easy to follow.

• Spacing is Key: Pay attention to the gaps between letters, lines, and words. Too tight? It’s a mess. Too loose? It looks awkward.

• Keep It Simple: Using five different fonts in one design might sound fun, but it almost never works. Stick to two or three.

Think of typography as the delivery system for your message. If it’s hard to read, the message gets lost.

3. Fonts Make You Feel Things

Typography isn’t just visual—it’s emotional. The fonts you choose can make people feel excited, relaxed, inspired, or even uneasy.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Serif Fonts (like Times New Roman): These feel traditional, trustworthy, and a little formal.

• Sans-Serif Fonts (like Arial): Clean and modern. They’re great for anything techy or minimalist.

• Handwritten or Script Fonts: Personal and creative, perfect for something artsy or heartfelt.

When you pick a font, think about the emotion you want people to feel. It’s amazing how much impact a typeface can have.

4. Consistency = Professionalism

One of the easiest ways to make your designs look polished is to keep your typography consistent. When fonts, sizes, and styles are all over the place, it feels messy and unorganized.

Here’s how to keep it together:

• Stick to a Few Fonts: Two or three is usually plenty—one for headings, one for body text, and maybe an accent font.

• Create a Style Guide: Write down your font choices, sizes, and spacing rules so everything stays cohesive.

Consistency doesn’t just make things look nice—it also helps build trust with your audience.

So next time you’re working on a design, give your fonts some love. Your audience (and your clients) will notice.